Seat back support assembly for adjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A seat back support assembly comprises a vehicle engaging member and a seat back receiving member. The vehicle engaging member is configured to be secured to a vehicle body. The vehicle engaging member includes a supporting section. The seat back receiving member includes (i) a base that is adjustably coupled to the supporting section, and (ii) a receiver that is coupled to the base, the receiver being configured to receive the seat back. The base is alternately positioned in a first vertical position and a second vertical position relative to the supporting section. When the base is in the first vertical position, the seat back is at a first height relative to the vehicle seat. Alternatively, when the base is in the second vertical position, the seat back is at a second height relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the first height.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application that claimsbenefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 on co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.15/146,209, filed on May 4, 2016 and entitled “SEAT BACK SUPPORTASSEMBLY FOR ADJUSTABLY SUPPORTING A SEAT BACK OF A VEHICLE”.Additionally, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/146,209 claims priority onU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/305,239, filed on Mar. 8, 2016and entitled “SEAT BACK SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR ADJUSTABLY SUPPORTING ASEAT BACK OF A VEHICLE”. As far as permitted, the contents of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/146,209 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/305,239 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Riders on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can often be seated on avehicle seat of the vehicle for long periods of time during a ride.Thus, it is desired to provide the rider with improved comfort over thecourse of a long ride. However, with riders being of various shapes andsizes, what is comfortable for one rider may not be comfortable foranother rider. Accordingly, it can be desired to provide adjustabilityin any seating situation for the riders of the vehicle. Further, someriders desire to have a seat back, while others do not. Oftentimes it isdifficult to determine whether to include a seat back during a user'sinitial purchase. Still further, the desired position of a seat back,when used, can also vary from rider to rider.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a seat back support assemblyfor adjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle. The vehicle includesa vehicle body and a vehicle seat. In various embodiments, the seat backsupport assembly can include a vehicle engaging member and a seat backreceiving member. The vehicle engaging member can be configured to besecured to the vehicle body. The vehicle engaging member can include asupporting section. The seat back receiving member can include (i) abase that is adjustably coupled to the supporting section of the vehicleengaging member, and (ii) a receiver that is coupled to the base, thereceiver being configured to receive the seat back. The base canalternately be positioned in a first vertical position and a secondvertical position relative to the supporting section, the secondvertical position being different than the first vertical position. Whenthe base is in the first vertical position, the seat back can be at afirst height relative to the vehicle seat. Alternatively, when the baseis in the second vertical position, the seat back can be at a secondheight relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the firstheight.

In some embodiments, the seat back support assembly further includes afirst vertical support member that can be coupled to the vehicleengaging member substantially between the base and the supportingsection so that the base is alternately positioned in the first verticalposition relative to the supporting section. The first vertical supportmember has a first thickness. Additionally, the first vertical supportmember can support the seat back receiving member so that the seat backis positioned at the first height relative to the vehicle seat. Further,when the base is alternately positioned in the second vertical positionrelative to the supporting section, the base can be substantiallydirectly coupled to the supporting section so that the seat back ispositioned at the second height relative to the vehicle seat.

In certain embodiments, the base can be alternately positioned in athird vertical position relative to the supporting section, the thirdvertical position being different than the first vertical position andthe second vertical position. In such embodiments, when the base is inthe third vertical position, the seat back can be at a third heightrelative to the vehicle seat that is different than the first height andthe second height.

Additionally, in some such embodiments, the seat back support assemblycan further include a first vertical support member and a secondvertical support member. The first vertical support member isalternately coupled to the vehicle engaging member substantially betweenthe base and the supporting section so that the base is alternatelypositioned in the first vertical position relative to the supportingsection. The first vertical support member has a first thickness.Additionally, the first vertical support member can support the seatback receiving member so that the seat back is positioned at the firstheight relative to the vehicle seat. The second vertical support membercan alternately be coupled to the vehicle engaging member substantiallybetween the base and the supporting section so that the base isalternately positioned in the second vertical position relative to thesupporting section. The second vertical support member can have a secondthickness that is different than the first thickness. Additionally, thesecond vertical support member can support the seat back receivingmember so that the seat back is positioned at the second height relativeto the vehicle seat. Further, when the base is alternately positioned inthe third vertical position relative to the supporting section, the basecan be substantially directly coupled to the supporting section so thatthe seat back is positioned at the third height relative to the vehicleseat.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the base can also be alternatelypositioned in a first horizontal position and a second horizontalposition relative to the supporting section, the second horizontalposition being different than the first horizontal position. In suchembodiments, when the base is in the first horizontal position, the seatback is in a first position relative to the vehicle seat; and when thebase is in the second horizontal position, the seat back is in a secondposition relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the firstposition.

Further, in certain embodiments, the receiver can be movably coupled tothe base. In such embodiments, the receiver can include a receiveraperture that is configured to receive a portion of the seat back. Anangle of the receiver aperture relative to the base can be selectivelyadjusted to selectively adjust a seat back angle of the seat backrelative to the vehicle seat.

The present invention is further directed toward a vehicle comprising avehicle body including a vehicle seat, and the seat back supportassembly as described above that is coupled to the vehicle bodysubstantially adjacent to the vehicle seat, the seat back supportassembly adjustably coupling a seat back to the vehicle seat.

Additionally, the present invention is also directed toward a vehicleincluding a vehicle body having a front seat and a rear seat, and theseat back support assembly as described above that is coupled to thevehicle body substantially adjacent to one of the front seat and therear seat, the seat back support assembly adjustably coupling a seatback to the vehicle body.

In some applications, the present invention is further directed toward aseat back support assembly for adjustably supporting a seat back of avehicle, the vehicle including a vehicle body and a vehicle seat, theseat back support assembly comprising (A) a vehicle engaging member thatis configured to be secured to the vehicle body, the vehicle engagingmember including a supporting section; and (B) a seat back receivingmember that is configured to receive the seat back, the seat backreceiving member including a base that is adjustably coupled to thesupporting section of the vehicle engaging member, the base beingalternately positioned in a first horizontal position and a secondhorizontal position relative to the supporting section, the secondhorizontal position being different than the first horizontal position;wherein when the base is in the first horizontal position, the seat backis in a first position relative to the vehicle seat; and wherein whenthe base is in the second horizontal position, the seat back is in asecond position relative to the vehicle seat that is different than thefirst position.

Additionally, the present invention is further directed toward a methodfor adjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle, the vehicleincluding a vehicle body and a vehicle seat, the method comprising (A)securing a vehicle engaging member to the vehicle body, the vehicleengaging member including a supporting section; and (B) adjustablycoupling a seat back receiving member to the vehicle engaging member,the seat back receiving member including (i) a base that is adjustablycoupled to the supporting section of the vehicle engaging member, thebase being alternately positioned in a first vertical position and asecond vertical position relative to the supporting section, the secondvertical position being different than the first vertical position; and(ii) a receiver that is coupled to the base, the receiver beingconfigured to receive the seat back; wherein when the base is in thefirst vertical position, the seat back is at a first height relative tothe vehicle seat; and wherein when the base is in the second verticalposition, the seat back is at a second height relative to the vehicleseat that is different than the first height.

Further, the present invention is also directed toward a method foradjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle, the vehicle including avehicle body and a vehicle seat, the method comprising (A) securing avehicle engaging member to the vehicle body, the vehicle engaging memberincluding a supporting section; and (B) adjustably coupling a seat backreceiving member to the vehicle engaging member, the seat back receivingmember including a base that is adjustably coupled to the supportingsection of the vehicle engaging member, the base being alternatelypositioned in a first horizontal position and a second horizontalposition relative to the supporting section, the second horizontalposition being different than the first horizontal position; whereinwhen the base is in the first horizontal position, the seat back is in afirst position relative to the vehicle seat; and wherein when the baseis in the second horizontal position, the seat back is in a secondposition relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the firstposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle and anembodiment of a seat back support assembly having features of thepresent invention that is coupled to the vehicle;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the vehicle and the seat back supportassembly illustrated in FIG. 1A, and a seat back that is coupled to thevehicle via the seat back support assembly;

FIG. 2A is a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle engaging memberthat forms a portion of the seat back support assembly illustrated inFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the vehicle engaging member illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a seat backreceiving member that forms a portion of the seat back support assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the seat back support assembly illustrated inFIG. 1A, the seat back support assembly including a first verticalsupport member so that the seat back is positioned at a first height;

FIG. 4B is another side view of the seat back support assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1A, the seat back support assembly including asecond vertical support member so that the seat back is positioned at asecond height;

FIG. 4C is still another side view of the seat back support assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1A, the seat back support assembly having novertical support member so that the seat back is positioned at a thirdheight; and

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the seat back illustrated in FIG.1B.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the contextof a seat back support assembly that adjustably supports a seat back ofa vehicle relative to a vehicle seat. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill realize that the following detailed description of the presentinvention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readilysuggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations ofthe present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Thesame or similar nomenclature and/or reference indicators will be usedthroughout the drawings and the following detailed description to referto the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application-related and business-related constraints, and thatthese specific goals will vary from one implementation to another andfrom one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle 10, e.g., amotorcycle or any other suitable type of vehicle, and an embodiment of aseat back support assembly 12 (also sometimes referred to herein simplyas a “support assembly”) having features of the present invention thatis coupled to the vehicle 10.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 14 and avehicle seat 15 (only a portion of which is shown for purposes ofclarity) that is coupled to and/or is formed as a part of the vehiclebody 14.

The design of the support assembly 12 can be varied to suit the specificrequirements of the vehicle 10 and/or to meet the needs and desires ofthe rider or user of the vehicle 10. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, the support assembly 12 includes a vehicle engaging member 16and a seat back receiving member 18. Alternatively, the support assembly12 can include more components or fewer components than those specificillustrated in FIG. 1A.

As an overview, the support assembly 12 is configured to adjustablysupport a seat back 20 (illustrated in FIG. 1 B) relative to the vehicleseat 15 to more comfortably support a rider of the vehicle 10. Morespecifically, in various embodiments, the support assembly 12 isconfigured to receive the seat back 20 so that the seat back 20 isalternatively positioned in multiple positions relative to the vehicleseat 15. For example, in some embodiments, the support assembly 12 canadjustably support the seat back 20 in multiple, alternative vertical(height) positions relative to the vehicle seat 15. In such embodiments,the seat back receiving member 18 can be positioned in alternativevertical (height) positions relative to the vehicle engaging member 16in order that the seat back 20 can be alternatively positioned inmultiple vertical (height) positions relative to the vehicle seat 15.Additionally and/or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the supportassembly 12 can adjustably support the seat back 20 in multiplealternative horizontal positions (i.e. forward toward a front of thevehicle and backward toward a rear of the vehicle) relative to thevehicle seat 15. In such embodiments, the seat back receiving member 18can be positioned in alternative horizontal (fore and aft) positionsrelative to the vehicle engaging member 16 in order that the seat back20 can be alternatively positioned in multiple horizontal positionsrelative to the vehicle seat 15.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the support assembly 12 can alsoadjustably support the seat back 20 such that the angular position ofthe seat back 20 relative to the vehicle seat 15 can be selectivelyadjusted.

It should be appreciated that the support assembly 12 can be anafter-market product that can be optionally secured to and used with thevehicle 10 after the vehicle 10 has been purchased, leased or otherwiseacquired by the rider. Alternatively, the support assembly 12 can befactory-installed during the original manufacturing of the vehicle 10.In addition, the support assembly 12 can be used for a sole rider of asingle-rider vehicle 10, a primary rider (such as the driver) of amultiple-rider vehicle 10, and/or one or more passengers of amultiple-rider vehicle 10.

The vehicle engaging member 16 is configured to engage the vehicle 10such that the vehicle engaging member 16 can be secured to the vehiclebody 14. Additionally, as described herein, the vehicle engaging member16 is also configured to support the seat back receiving member 18. Incertain embodiments, the vehicle engaging member 16 can be integrallyformed as a single unitary structure that is then molded and formed asdesired such that the vehicle engaging member 16 can be securelyfastened to the vehicle body 14 in multiple locations. Alternatively,the vehicle engaging member 16 can be comprised of multiple componentsthat are attached to one another.

Additionally, the vehicle engaging member 16 can be formed from anysuitable materials. For example, the vehicle engaging member 16 can beformed from iron, steel, carbon fiber, or any other suitably strong andrigid materials.

The design of the vehicle engaging member 16 can be varied to suit therequirements of the support assembly 12. As shown in this embodiment,the vehicle engaging member 16 includes a first (front) coupling section22, a second (rear) coupling section 24, a transitional section 26, anda supporting section 28. Alternatively, the vehicle engaging member 16can include more components or fewer components than what is illustratedand described herein. As shown, the general overall shape and contour ofthe vehicle engaging member 16 is configured so as to generally followthe overall shape and contour of a portion of the vehicle body 14. Thevehicle engaging member 16 will be further illustrated and describedherein below in relation to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first couplingsection 22 includes a pair of first coupling apertures 30, e.g., slotsin this embodiment, that are each configured to receive a first fastener32, e.g., a screw or bolt, to secure the vehicle engaging member 16 tothe vehicle body 14. Somewhat similarly, the second coupling section 24includes a pair of second coupling apertures 34 (only one is shown inFIG. 1A), e.g., slots in this embodiment, that are each configured toreceive a second fastener 36 (only one is shown in FIG. 1A), e.g., ascrew or bolt, to also secure the vehicle engaging member 16 to thevehicle body 14. As shown, the first coupling section 22 is secured tothe vehicle body 14 toward (closer to) a vehicle front (not shown)relative to the second coupling section 24; and the second couplingsection 24 is secured to the vehicle body 14 toward (closer to) avehicle back (not shown) relative to the first coupling section 22.

Although only a small portion of the vehicle seat 15 is shown in FIG. 1Afor purposes of clarity, it should be appreciated that the vehicleengaging member 16 can be positioned and secured to the vehicle body 14primarily underneath the vehicle seat 15 to enable the desired couplingof the seat back 20 to the vehicle seat 15.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the use of the terms “firstcoupling section” and “second coupling section”, “first couplingapertures” and “second coupling apertures”, and “first fastener” and“second fastener” is merely for convenience and ease of illustration.Thus, either of the coupling sections 22, 24 can be referred to as the“first coupling section” and/or the “second coupling section”, either ofthe pairs of coupling apertures 30, 34 can be referred to as the “firstcoupling apertures” and/or the “second coupling apertures”, and eitherof the fasteners 32, 36 can be referred to as the “first fastener”and/or the “second fastener”.

The transitional section 26 extends in a substantially verticaldirection between the first coupling section 22 and the supportingsection 28.

The supporting section 28 is configured to adjustably support the seatback receiving member 18 such that the seat back 20 can be adjustablypositioned relative to the vehicle seat 15. As shown, the supportingsection 28 extends in a substantially horizontal direction between thetransitional section 26 and the second coupling section 24.

The seat back receiving member 18 is configured to adjustably and/orremovably receive the seat back 20 so that the seat back 20 can be invarious alternative positions relative to the vehicle seat 15. Forexample, as noted above, the position of the seat back receiving member18 can be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally relative to thevehicle engaging member 16 so as to effectively adjust the position ofthe seat back 20 relative to the vehicle seat 15. Of note, the verticaland/or horizontal position of the seat back 20 relative to the vehicleseat 15 is selectively adjustable by adjusting the position of the seatback receiving member 18 relative to the vehicle engaging member 16.Such adjustment does not require any adjustment of the direct couplingbetween the seat back 20 and the seat back support assembly 12.

The design of the seat back receiving member 18 can be varied to suitthe requirements of the support assembly 12. As illustrated in thisembodiment, the seat back receiving member 18 includes a base 38 and apost receiving member 40 (also sometimes referred to herein as a “postreceiver” or simply a “receiver”) that is movably coupled to the base38. Additionally and/or alternatively, the seat back receiving member 18can include more components than those illustrated and described inrelation to FIG. 1A.

The base 38 is coupled to the supporting section 28 of the vehicleengaging member 16. In order to enable such coupling between the base 38and the supporting section 28, the base 38 can include a plurality ofbase apertures 342 (illustrated in FIG. 3) that are each configured toreceive a base fastener 44, e.g., a screw or a bolt. Each of the basefasteners 44 can be configured to extend through one of the baseapertures 342 as well as through a support aperture 246 (illustrated,for example, in FIG. 2B), e.g., a slot, formed in the supporting section28 of the vehicle engaging member 16.

Additionally, as provided herein, the vertical position (or height) ofthe base 38 can be adjusted relative to the supporting section 28 by thepresence (or absence) of a vertical support member 48 that can bepositioned substantially directly between the base 38 and the supportingsection 28.

The post receiver 40 is configured to receive a portion of the seat back20. In particular, in certain embodiments such as illustrated herein,the post receiver 40 is sized and shaped to receive a support post 50(illustrated in FIG. 1B) of the seat back 20.

Additionally, the post receiver 40 is movably coupled to the base 38.More specifically, in certain embodiments, an angular position of thepost receiver 40 relative to the base 38 can be selectively adjusted. Asshown, the seat back receiving member 18 can further include a resilientmember 52, e.g., a spring, that biases the position of the post receiver40 so as to help to maintain the post receiver 40 in the desired angularposition relative to the base 38.

The seat back receiving member 18 can be formed from any suitablematerials. For example, the seat back receiving member 18 can be formedfrom iron, steel, carbon fiber, or any other suitably strong and rigidmaterials.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the vehicle 10 and the seat backsupport assembly 12 illustrated in FIG. 1A. Also illustrated in FIG. 1Bis the seat back 20 that is coupled to the vehicle 10 via the seat backsupport assembly 12.

The design of the seat back 20 can be varied to suit the requirements ofthe vehicle 10 and/or to suit the desired comfort of the rider. Asshown, the seat back 20 includes the support post 50 and a back cushionassembly 54 that is coupled to the support post 50.

The support post 50 is configured to be selectively coupled to the postreceiving member 40 so as to effectively couple the seat back 20 to theseat back receiving member 18. More specifically, in this embodiment,the support post 50 is sized and shaped to fit snugly within the postreceiving member 40 of the seat back receiving member 18.

As noted above, in various embodiments, the vertical and horizontaladjustability of the seat back 20 relative to the vehicle seat 15(illustrated in FIG. 1A) can be accomplished without requiring anyadjustment of the direct coupling between the seat back 20 and the seatback support assembly 12. Thus, in certain embodiments, the support post50 need only and can only be coupled to the post receiver 40 in a singleposition. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the support post 50 ofthe seat back 20 can be coupled to the post receiver 40 in multiplealternative positions. With such alternative design, the verticalposition of the seat back 20 relative to the vehicle seat 15 can befurther adjusted.

The back cushion assembly 54 can have any suitable design. For example,the back cushion assembly 54 can include a back base 554A (illustratedin FIG. 5), a back cushion (not shown) and a back cover 54C that coversthe back cushion and secures the back cushion to the back base.Alternatively, the back cushion assembly 54 can have another suitabledesign.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an embodiment of the vehicle engaging member16 that forms a portion of the seat back support assembly 12 illustratedin FIG. 1A. Additionally, FIG. 2B is a top view of the vehicle engagingmember 16 illustrated in FIG. 2A. As provided above, in this embodiment,the vehicle engaging member 16 includes the first (front) couplingsection 22, the second (rear) coupling section 24, the transitionalsection 26, and the supporting section 28.

As noted, the first coupling section 22 includes the pair of firstcoupling apertures 30 that are configured to receive the first fasteners32 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) to provide a portion of the coupling betweenthe vehicle engaging member 16 and the vehicle body 14 (illustrated inFIG. 1A). In certain embodiments, as shown, the first coupling apertures30 can comprise slots that enable some variability of the connectionbetween the vehicle engaging member 16 and the vehicle body 14, i.e.depending on the specific shape of the vehicle body 14. In some suchembodiments, the first coupling apertures 30 can be betweenapproximately 0.55 inches and 0.65 inches in length, and betweenapproximately 0.25 inches and 0.30 inches in width. Alternatively, thefirst coupling apertures 30 can have a different size and/or a differentdesign (e.g., circular). Still alternatively, the first couplingapertures 30, e.g., slot-shaped apertures, can be oriented in anysuitable manner.

The shape and dimensions of the first coupling section 22 can be varied.For example, in some embodiments, the first coupling section 22 can besubstantially rectangle-shaped, with a length (from front-to-back untilit transitions into the transitional section 26)) of betweenapproximately 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches, and a width (fromside-to-side) of between approximately 1.75 inches and 2.25 inches.Alternatively, the dimensions of the first coupling section 22 can begreater than or less than those specifically noted above.

As shown in this embodiment, the second coupling section 24 extendsupwardly at an angle, e.g., between approximately 115 degrees and 145degrees, from the supporting section 28. Additionally, as noted above,the second coupling section 24 includes the pair of second couplingapertures 34 that are configured to receive the second fasteners 36(illustrated in FIG. 1A) to provide another portion of the couplingbetween the vehicle engaging member 16 and the vehicle body 14. In someembodiments, the second coupling apertures 34 can comprise slots thatenable some variability of the connection between the vehicle engagingmember 16 and the vehicle body 14, i.e. depending on the specific shapeof the vehicle body 14. As shown, the second coupling apertures 34 canbe formed in an angled, winged portion 256 of the second couplingsection 24 that extends in a generally outwardly extending direction. Insome such embodiments, the second coupling apertures 30 can be betweenapproximately 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches in length, and betweenapproximately 0.25 inches and 0.30 inches in width. Alternatively, thesecond coupling apertures 34 can have a different design (e.g.,circular) and/or be positioned in a different manner. Stillalternatively, the second coupling apertures 34, e.g., slot-shapedapertures, can be oriented in any suitable manner.

Further, as shown, the second coupling section 24 can also include anadditional aperture 258 that can be further utilized in securing thevehicle engaging member 16 to the vehicle body 14. As shown, theadditional aperture 258 can be generally circular in shape and can beformed in a cantilevering portion 260 that extends generally upwardlyaway from the winged portion 256. Alternatively, the additional aperture258 can have a different design and/or be positioned in a differentmanner. Still alternatively, the second coupling section 24 can bedesigned without the additional aperture 258.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the second coupling section 24 canhave an overall length (from the supporting section 28 to the tip of thecantilevering portion 260) of between approximately 2.50 inches and 3.00inches, and an overall width (from tip-to-tip of the winged portion 256)of between approximately 5.00 inches and 6.00 inches. Alternatively, thedimensions of the second coupling section 24 can be greater than or lessthan those specifically noted above.

As shown, the transitional section 26 extends in a substantiallyvertical direction between the first coupling section 22 and thesupporting section 28. In some embodiments, the transitional section 26be substantially rectangle-shaped and can have a length (from the firstcoupling section 22 to the supporting section 28) of betweenapproximately 4.50 inches and 5.50 inches, and a width (fromside-to-side) of between approximately 1.75 inches and 2.25 inches.Alternatively, the dimensions of the transitional section 26 can begreater than or less than those specifically noted above.

The supporting section 28, as noted above, is configured to adjustablysupport the seat back receiving member 18 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). Asshown, the supporting section 28 extends in a generally horizontaldirection between the transitional section 26 and the second couplingsection 24. For example, in certain non-exclusive embodiments, thesupporting section 28 can extend away from the transitional section 26at an angle of between approximately eighty-two degrees and ninetydegrees.

Additionally, as shown, the supporting section 28 can be substantiallyrectangle-shaped having a length (from the transitional section 26 tothe second supporting section 24) of between approximately 2.50 inchesand 3.50 inches, and a width (from side-to-side) of betweenapproximately 2.75 inches and 3.75 inches. Alternatively, the dimensionsof the supporting section 28 can be greater than or less than thosespecifically noted above.

Further, as illustrated in this embodiment, the supporting section 28includes a plurality of support apertures 246 for receiving the basefasteners 44 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) usable for coupling the seat backreceiving member 18 to the vehicle engaging member 16. In variousembodiments, the supporting section 28 can include four supportapertures 246 that are formed as slots having a length of betweenapproximately 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches, and a width of betweenapproximately 0.25 inches and 0.30 inches. The slotted design of thesupport apertures 246 enables the vehicle engaging member 16 to supportthe seat back receiving member 18 in alternative horizontal positions.For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the base fasteners 44 can bealternatively received by the support apertures 246 (i) in a firsthorizontal position 244A (illustrated by solid circles) such that theseat back receiving member 18, and thus the seat back 20, will bepositioned in a first, forward-most position relative to the vehicleseat 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1A); (ii) in a second horizontal position244B (illustrated by dashed circles) such that the seat back receivingmember 18, and thus the seat back 20, will be positioned in a second,intermediate position relative to the vehicle seat 15; and (iii) in athird horizontal position 244C (illustrated by dotted circles) such thatthe seat back receiving member 18, and thus the seat back 20, will bepositioned in a third, rearward-most position relative to the vehicleseat 15. It should be appreciated that the base fasteners 44 can bepositioned anywhere within the support apertures 246 along the continuumbetween the first horizontal position 244A and the third horizontalposition 244C. Alternatively, the support apertures 246 can have adifferent design (e.g., circular) and/or be positioned in a differentmanner. Still alternatively, the support apertures 246, e.g., the slots,can be oriented in any suitable manner.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the use of the terms “firsthorizontal position”, “second horizontal position” and “third horizontalposition”, is merely for convenience and ease of illustration. Thus, anyof the horizontal positions 244A, 244B, 244C can be referred to as the“first horizontal position”, the “second horizontal position” and/or the“third horizontal position”.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the seat back receiving member 18that forms a portion of the seat back support assembly 12 illustrated inFIG. 1A. As described above, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the seat backreceiving member 18 includes the base 38 and the post receiving member40 that is movably coupled to the base 38. Additionally, as providedherein, the seat back receiving member 18 is configured to be adjustablycoupled (both vertically and horizontally) to the vehicle engagingmember 16 (illustrated in FIG. 1A).

The base 38 includes the plurality of base apertures 342 that are eachconfigured to receive one of the base fasteners 44 (illustrated in FIG.1A) for purposes of coupling the seat back receiving member 18 to thesupporting section 28 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) of the vehicle engagingmember 16. As provided above, each of the base fasteners 44 can beconfigured to extend through one of the base apertures 342 as well asthrough one of the support apertures 246 (illustrated, for example, inFIG. 2B) formed in the supporting section 28 of the vehicle engagingmember 16. In different embodiments, the base apertures 342 can besubstantially circular or the base apertures 342 can be slot-shaped toadd even further variability to the adjustability of the seat backreceiving member 18 relative to the vehicle engaging member 16.Moreover, it should also be appreciated that in embodiments where thebase apertures 342 are slot-shaped, the based apertures 342 can beoriented in any direction.

As noted above, with the design of the vehicle engaging member 16 and/orthe seat back receiving member 18 as illustrated and describe in detailherein, the horizontal position of the seat back 20 relative to thevehicle seat 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) is selectively adjustable byadjusting the position of the seat back receiving member 18 relative tothe vehicle engaging member 16. Such adjustment does not require anyadjustment of the coupling between the seat back 20 and the seat backsupport assembly 12.

Additionally, as noted, the post receiving member 40 is configured toreceive the support post 50 (illustrated in FIG. 1B) of the seat back 20(illustrated in FIG. 1B) for purposes of coupling the seat back 20 tothe seat back receiving member 18.

Further, the post receiving member 40 also includes an adjuster aperture362 to receive an angle adjuster 464 (illustrated in FIG. 4A), e.g., ascrew or bolt, so that an angular position of the post receiving member40 relative to the base 38 can be selectively adjusted. Moreparticularly, the angle adjuster 464 can be threaded through theadjuster aperture 362 until the angle adjuster 464 contacts an uppersurface 366 of the base 38. By continuing to thread the angle adjuster464 into or out of the adjuster aperture 362, the angle of the postreceiving member 40 relative to the base 38 can be selectively adjustedas desired. Stated in another manner, by rotating the angle adjuster 464relative to the adjuster aperture 362, the angular position of the postreceiving member 40 relative to the base 38 can be selectively adjustedbetween a first angular position and a second angular position, andanywhere in between. The angular movement of the post receiving member40 relative to the base 38 is illustrated with arrow 468 shown in FIG.4A.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the seat back support assembly 12 illustratedin FIG. 1A. As shown, the seat back support assembly 12 includes a firstvertical support member 448A having a first thickness so that the seatback 20 (illustrated in FIG. 1B) is positioned at a first heightrelative to the vehicle seat 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). Morespecifically, by positioning and coupling the first vertical supportmember 448A between the base 38 of the seat back receiving member 18 andthe supporting section 28 of the vehicle engaging member 16, the seatback receiving member 18 is positioned at a higher vertical positionthan if no vertical support member was used. Thus, the seat back 20 whenit is coupled to the seat back receiving member 18 can be positioned atthe first height relative to the vehicle seat 15.

It should be appreciated that in order to effectively secure the firstvertical support member 448A between the base 38 of the seat backreceiving member 18 and the supporting section 28 of the vehicleengaging member 16, with the base fasteners 44 extending through thebase apertures 342 (illustrated in FIG. 3) and the support apertures 246(illustrated in FIG. 2B), the first vertical support member 448A canalso include a plurality of first member apertures (not shown).Additionally, it should be appreciated that the first member aperturescan be substantially circular in shaped, slot-shaped, or some othershape.

The first vertical support member 448A can have any suitable design. Forexample, in some embodiments, the first vertical support member 448A issubstantially rectangular block-shaped. Alternatively, the firstvertical support member 448A can have another suitable design and/or beformed in another suitable shape. For example, in one non-exclusivealternative embodiment, the first vertical support member 448A can besubstantially triangular block-shaped. With such alternative design, thefirst vertical support member 448A can provide angular adjustment of theseat back receiving member 18 relative to the vehicle engaging member16, in addition to the noted adjustment of the vertical position of theseat back receiving member 18 relative to the vehicle engaging member16.

Further, the first vertical support member 448A can be formed from anysuitable materials. For example, the first vertical support member 448Acan be formed from iron, steel, carbon fiber, or any other suitablystrong and rigid materials.

Additionally, as noted above, FIG. 4A also illustrates the angleadjuster 464 that extends through the adjuster aperture 362 (illustratedin FIG. 3) to contact the upper surface 366 of the base, so as to enablethe angular adjustment of the post receiving member 40 as indicated byarrow 468.

FIG. 4B is another side view of the seat back support assembly 12illustrated in FIG. 1A. As shown, the seat back support assembly 12includes a second vertical support member 448B having a second thicknessthat is different than (e.g., less than) the first thickness so that theseat back 20 (illustrated in FIG. 1B) is positioned at a second heightrelative to the vehicle seat 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). Morespecifically, by positioning and coupling the second vertical supportmember 448B between the base 38 of the seat back receiving member 18 andthe supporting section 28 of the vehicle engaging member 16, the seatback receiving member 18 can be positioned at a higher vertical positionthan if no vertical support member was used, but at a lower verticalposition than if the first vertical support member 448A (illustrated inFIG. 4A) was used. Thus, the seat back 20 when it is coupled to the seatback receiving member 18 can be positioned at the second height relativeto the vehicle seat 15.

It should be appreciated that in order to effectively secure the secondvertical support member 448B between the base 38 of the seat backreceiving member 18 and the supporting section 28 of the vehicleengaging member 16, with the base fasteners 44 extending through thebase apertures 342 (illustrated in FIG. 3) and the support apertures 246(illustrated in FIG. 2B), the second vertical support member 448B canalso include a plurality of second member apertures (not shown).Additionally, it should be appreciated that the second member aperturescan be substantially circular in shaped, slot-shaped, or some othershape.

The second vertical support member 448B can have any suitable design.For example, in some embodiments, the second vertical support member448B is substantially rectangular block-shaped. Alternatively, thesecond vertical support member 448B can have another suitable designand/or be formed in another suitable shape. For example, as above, inone non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the second vertical supportmember 448B can be substantially triangular block-shaped. In suchembodiments, the second vertical support member 448B can provide angularadjustment of the seat back receiving member 18 relative to the vehicleengaging member 16, in addition to the noted adjustment of the verticalposition of the seat back receiving member 18 relative to the vehicleengaging member 16.

Further, the second vertical support member 448B can be formed from anysuitable materials. For example, the second vertical support member 448Bcan be formed from iron, steel, carbon fiber, or any other suitablystrong and rigid materials.

FIG. 4C is still another side view of the seat back support assembly 12illustrated in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 4C, the seat back supportassembly 12 has no vertical support member so that the seat back 20(illustrated in FIG. 1B) is positioned at a third height relative to thevehicle seat 15 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). More particularly, in thisconfiguration, i.e. with no vertical support member, the base 38 of theseat back receiving member 18 is substantially directly coupled to thesupporting section 28 of the vehicle engaging member 16 such that theseat back receiving member 18 can be positioned at a lower verticalposition than if any of the vertical support members are used. Thus, theseat back 20 when it is coupled to the seat back receiving member 18 canbe positioned at the third height relative to the vehicle seat 15.

It should be appreciated that any number of alternative vertical supportmembers can be utilized to vary the height of the seat back 20 asdesired relative to the vehicle seat 15 provided the base fasteners 44are of sufficient length.

As noted above, with the use of such alternative vertical supportmembers 448A, 448B or no vertical support member, the vertical positionof the seat back 20 relative to the vehicle seat 15 is selectivelyadjustable by enabling the selective adjustment of the position of theseat back receiving member 18 relative to the vehicle engaging member16. Additionally, such adjustment does not require any adjustment of thecoupling between the seat back 20 and the seat back support assembly 12.

Further, it should be appreciated that the use of the terms “firstvertical support member” and “second vertical support member”, is merelyfor convenience and ease of illustration. Thus, either of the verticalsupport members 448A, 448B can be referred to as the “first verticalsupport member” and/or the “second vertical support member”. Moreover,the references to the “first thickness” and the “second thickness”, aswell as the references to the “first height”, the “second height” andthe “third height”, can also be used interchangeably.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the seat back 20 illustrated inFIG. 1B. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view ofthe support post 50 and the back cushion assembly 54 of the seat back20.

As shown in FIG. 5, the support post 50 includes one or more postapertures 570. The post apertures 570 can be aligned with correspondingpost receiver apertures (not shown) in the post receiving member 40(illustrated in FIG. 1A) such that each receive a single seat backfastener (not shown) for purposes of coupling the seat back 20 to theseat back receiving member 18 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). Alternatively,the seat back 20 can be coupled to the seat back receiving member 18 ina different manner.

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of theseat back support assembly 12 have been illustrated and describedherein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined withone or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, providedthat such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the seat backsupport assembly 12 have been shown and disclosed herein above, those ofskill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations,additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended thatthe seat back support assembly 12 shall be interpreted to include allsuch modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as arewithin their true spirit and scope, and no limitations are intended tothe details of construction or design herein shown.

1. A method for adjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle, thevehicle including a vehicle body and a vehicle seat, the methodcomprising: securing a vehicle engaging member to the vehicle body, thevehicle engaging member including a supporting section; and adjustablycoupling a seat back receiving member to the vehicle engaging member,the seat back receiving member including (i) a base that is adjustablycoupled to the supporting section of the vehicle engaging member, thebase being alternatively positioned in a first vertical position and asecond vertical position relative to the supporting section, the secondvertical position being different than the first vertical position; and(ii) a receiver that is coupled to the base, the receiver beingconfigured to receive the seat back; wherein when the base is in thefirst vertical position, the seat back is at a first height relative tothe vehicle seat; and wherein when the base is in the second verticalposition, the seat back is at a second height relative to the vehicleseat that is different than the first height.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising alternatively coupling a first vertical supportmember to the vehicle engaging member substantially between the base andthe supporting section so that the base is alternatively positioned inthe first vertical position relative to the supporting section, thefirst vertical support member having a first thickness, the firstvertical support member supporting the seat back receiving member sothat the seat back is positioned at the first height relative to thevehicle seat; and wherein when the base is alternatively positioned inthe second vertical position relative to the supporting section, themethod includes substantially directly coupling the base to thesupporting section so that the seat back is positioned at the secondheight relative to the vehicle seat.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinadjustably coupling includes the base being alternatively positioned ina third vertical position relative to the supporting section, the thirdvertical position being different than the first vertical position andthe second vertical position; and wherein when the base is in the thirdvertical position, the seat back is at a third height relative to thevehicle seat that is different than the first height and the secondheight.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising (i) alternativelycoupling a first vertical support member to the vehicle engaging membersubstantially between the base and the supporting section so that thebase is alternatively positioned in the first vertical position relativeto the supporting section, the first vertical support member having afirst thickness, the first vertical support member supporting the seatback receiving member so that the seat back is positioned at the firstheight relative to the vehicle seat; and (ii) alternatively coupling asecond vertical support member to the vehicle engaging membersubstantially between the base and the supporting section so that thebase is alternatively positioned in the second vertical positionrelative to the supporting section, the second vertical support memberhaving a second thickness that is different than the first thickness,the second vertical support member supporting the seat back receivingmember so that the seat back is positioned at the second height relativeto the vehicle seat; and wherein when the base is alternativelypositioned in the third vertical position relative to the supportingsection, the method includes substantially directly coupling the base tothe supporting section so that the seat back is positioned at the thirdheight relative to the vehicle seat.
 5. A method for adjustablysupporting a seat back of a vehicle, the vehicle including a vehiclebody and a vehicle seat, the method comprising: securing a vehicleengaging member to the vehicle body, the vehicle engaging memberincluding a supporting section; and adjustably coupling a seat backreceiving member to the vehicle engaging member, the seat back receivingmember including a base that is adjustably coupled to the supportingsection of the vehicle engaging member, the base being alternativelypositioned in a first horizontal position and a second horizontalposition relative to the supporting section, the second horizontalposition being different than the first horizontal position; whereinwhen the base is in the first horizontal position, the seat back is in afirst position relative to the vehicle seat; and wherein when the baseis in the second horizontal position, the seat back is in a secondposition relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the firstposition.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein securing includes thesupporting section having a support aperture; wherein adjustablycoupling includes the base having a base aperture; and whereinadjustably coupling further includes extending a base fastener throughthe support aperture and the base aperture to adjustably couple the baseto the support section, at least one of the support aperture and thebase aperture being substantially slot-shaped.
 7. The method of claim 5wherein adjustably coupling includes the base being alternativelypositioned in a third horizontal position relative to the supportingsection, the third horizontal position being different than the firsthorizontal position and the second horizontal position; and wherein whenthe base is in the third horizontal position, the seat back is in athird position relative to the vehicle seat that is different than thefirst position and the second position.
 8. The method of claim 5 whereinadjustably coupling includes movably coupling a receiver of the seatback receiving member to the base, the receiver including a receiveraperture that is configured to receive a portion of the seat back; andselectively adjusting an angle of the receiver aperture relative to thebase to selectively adjust a seat back angle of the seat back relativeto the vehicle seat.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein movably couplingthe receiver includes biasing an angular position of the receiver with aresilient member of the seat back receiving member so as to maintain theseat back angle of the seat back relative to the vehicle seat.
 10. Themethod of claim 5 wherein securing includes the supporting sectionhaving a plurality of support apertures; wherein adjustably couplingincludes the base having a plurality of base apertures; and whereinadjustably coupling further includes extending each of a plurality ofbase fasteners through one of the plurality of support apertures and oneof the plurality of base apertures to adjustably couple the base to thesupport section, each of the plurality of support apertures beingsubstantially slot-shaped.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein securingincludes alternatively securing the vehicle engaging member to thevehicle body in multiple locations.
 12. The method of claim 1 whereinadjustably coupling further includes the base being alternativelypositioned in a first horizontal position and a second horizontalposition relative to the supporting section, the second horizontalposition being different than the first horizontal position; whereinwhen the base is in the first horizontal position, the seat back is in afirst position relative to the vehicle seat; and wherein when the baseis in the second horizontal position, the seat back is in a secondposition relative to the vehicle seat that is different than the firstposition.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein securing includes thesupporting section having a support aperture; wherein adjustablycoupling includes the base having a base aperture; and whereinadjustably coupling further includes extending a base fastener throughthe support aperture and the base aperture to adjustably couple the baseto the support section, at least one of the support aperture and thebase aperture being substantially slot-shaped.
 14. The method of claim12 wherein securing includes the supporting section having a pluralityof support apertures; wherein adjustably coupling includes the basehaving a plurality of base apertures; and wherein adjustably couplingfurther includes extending each of a plurality of base fasteners throughone of the plurality of support apertures and one of the plurality ofbase apertures to adjustably couple the base to the support section,each of the plurality of support apertures being substantiallyslot-shaped.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein adjustably couplingincludes the base being alternatively positioned in a third horizontalposition relative to the supporting section, the third horizontalposition being different than the first horizontal position and thesecond horizontal position; and wherein when the base is in the thirdhorizontal position, the seat back is in a third position relative tothe vehicle seat that is different than the first position and thesecond position.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein adjustably couplingincludes movably coupling a receiver of the seat back receiving memberto the base, the receiver including a receiver aperture that isconfigured to receive a portion of the seat back; and selectivelyadjusting an angle of the receiver aperture relative to the base toselectively adjust a seat back angle of the seat back relative to thevehicle seat.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein movably coupling thereceiver includes biasing an angular position of the receiver with aresilient member of the seat back receiving member so as to maintain theseat back angle of the seat back relative to the vehicle seat.
 18. Themethod of claim 1 wherein securing includes alternatively securing thevehicle engaging member to the vehicle body in multiple locations.
 19. Amethod for adjustably supporting a seat back of a vehicle, the vehicleincluding a vehicle body and a vehicle seat, the method comprising:securing a vehicle engaging member to the vehicle body, the vehicleengaging member including a supporting section having a supportaperture; adjustably coupling a seat back receiving member to thevehicle engaging member, the seat back receiving member including (i) abase that is adjustably coupled to the supporting section of the vehicleengaging member, the base including a base aperture, and (ii) a receiverthat is movably coupled to the base, the receiver including a receiveraperture that is configured to receive a portion of the seat back;selectively adjusting an angle of the receiver aperture relative to thebase to selectively adjust a seat back angle of the seat back relativeto the vehicle seat; alternatively coupling a first vertical supportmember to the vehicle engaging member substantially between the base andthe supporting section so that the base is alternatively positioned in afirst vertical position and a second vertical position relative to thesupporting section, the second vertical position being different thanthe first vertical position, the first vertical support member having afirst thickness; and extending a base fastener through the supportaperture and the base aperture to adjustably couple the base to thesupport section so that the base is alternatively positioned in a firsthorizontal position and a second horizontal position relative to thesupporting section, the second horizontal position being different thanthe first horizontal position, at least one of the support aperture andthe base aperture being substantially slot-shaped; wherein when thefirst vertical support member is positioned substantially between thebase and the supporting section, the first vertical support membersupports the seat back receiving member so that the base is positionedin the first vertical position and the seat back is positioned at afirst height relative to the vehicle seat; wherein when the firstvertical support member is not positioned between the base and thesupporting section, the base is substantially directly coupled to thesupporting section so that the base is in the second vertical positionand the seat back is at a second height relative to the vehicle seatthat is different than the first height; wherein when the base is in thefirst horizontal position, the seat back is in a first position relativeto the vehicle seat; and wherein when the base is in the secondhorizontal position, the seat back is in a second position relative tothe vehicle seat that is different than the first position.
 20. Themethod of claim 19 further comprising alternatively coupling a secondvertical support member to the vehicle engaging member substantiallybetween the base and the supporting section so that the base isalternatively positioned in a third vertical position relative to thesupporting section, the third vertical position being different than thefirst vertical position and the second vertical position, the secondvertical support member having a second thickness that is different thanthe first thickness, the second vertical support member supporting theseat back receiving member so that the seat back is positioned at athird height relative to the vehicle seat that is different than thefirst height and the second height.